Now Commenting On:

Angels' ALDS roster, rotation coming

Angels' ALDS roster, rotation coming

ANAHEIM -- Mike Scioscia is still weighing his options for the postseason, but the Angels manager plans to announce his starting rotation and roster "by the weekend."

Scioscia actually has until the morning of Game 1 of the American League Division Series to set the Angels' official roster of 25 players, but he sees no reason to wait.

He also said he's still deciding whether or not to carry three catchers this year after having just Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis on the playoff roster last season.

"It's one template we're looking at," Scioscia said of possibly carrying catcher Bobby Wilson. "There are a few different rosters that we have floating around."

Scioscia said the biggest thing he has working for him this year is that his team is as healthy as it's ever been heading into the postseason compared to recent years.

"Our health level is high, considering we're going on game 158," Scioscia said. "But nobody's pristine. There is nobody in that clubhouse that's saying, 'Man, I feel perfect.' But that's just the nature of the game."

One of the positions where Scioscia has more depth this season compared to last is at second base, as Maicer Izturis and Howard Kendrick are both healthy and playing well right now. It's a much different scenario than last year, when Izturis missed the playoffs with an injured thumb and Kendrick was battling through a hamstring pull.

"We didn't have Izzy, so we're a little deeper in some areas this year," Scioscia said. "And Howie is part of that. Since coming back, he's been on a tear and hopefully that will play out when he continues into the playoffs."

One intriguing decision is whether or not to include Brandon Wood on the roster, as the infielder could bring power off the bench, but the biggest problem is that he's only played in two games this month.

"He brings the ability to play the left side of the field defensively," Scioscia said, "but he hasn't got enough at-bats recently to evaluate what he'd bring offensively."

Scioscia said that no matter who makes the roster, it's up to the team to play much better in this postseason compared to recent years, as the Angels have struggled while making three early exits against the Red Sox in their last four playoff appearances.

"We need to bring a more consistent game onto the field in the playoffs than we have the last couple times," Scioscia said. "And we're very confident that will be the case."

Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.